Funchal has some buildings influenced by Art Nouveau, an international art movement that emerged in the late 19th century and gave a modern touch to the city. Today, few examples of this architecture remain.
Art Nouveau, which flourished approximately between 1880 and 1920, sought to unite aesthetic beauty with practical utility, focusing on organic forms inspired by nature. It arrived in Portugal around 1905 and lasted until 1920. On Rua da Conceição, for example, a vacant property displays notable examples of ceramic tiling and ornate balconies, with decorative friezes and tile panels that give colour and identity to the facades.
Buildings in Funchal's historic centre, even if vacant or degraded, are protected against demolition. Protection mechanisms and recovery incentives exist, such as tax benefits and reduced VAT rates for works, aiming to prevent prolonged abandonment and preserve these cultural treasures.